Acne Scars

Acne scarring is a common long-term skin concern that can remain long after active acne has resolved. Scarring develops when inflammation within the skin damages collagen and deeper skin structures during the healing process.

For many people, acne scarring can affect not only skin texture and appearance, but also confidence and quality of life. The good news is that modern dermatology and cosmetic treatments can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars and overall skin quality.

What Causes Acne Scarring?

Acne scarring occurs when inflamed acne lesions damage the skin and underlying tissue. During healing, the body produces collagen to repair the area, however, too little or too much collagen production can lead to visible scarring.

Scarring is more likely to occur when:

  • Acne issevere or inflamed
  • Acne is left untreated for long periods
  • Lesions are picked or squeezed and cause damage
  • There is a genetic predisposition to scarring
  • Deep cystic acne is present

Early management of active acne is one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of permanent scarring. Scarring generally responds best to treatments when the skin is treated early on and guided through the healing phase for effective issue and collage regeneration.

Different Types of Acne Scars

Acne scar scan vary greatly in appearance and depth. Many patients have a combination of scar types.

Atrophic Scars (Indented Scars)

These are the most common acne scars and occur due to collagen loss.

Ice Pick Scars

Deep, narrow scars extending into the skin. Often difficult to treat with a single modality.

Boxcar Scars

Round or oval depressions with defined edges that may be shallow or deep.

Rolling Scars

Soft, wave-like depressions in the skin caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin downward.

Hypertrophic & Keloid Scars

These scars occur when excess collagen forms during healing.

Features may include:

  • Raised or thickened scars
  • Firm texture
  • Red or darker colouration
  • More common on the chest, jawline, shoulders and back

Post-Inflammatory Redness & Pigmentation

How Acne Scarring is Assessed

Successful treatment begins with a detailed skin assessment.
At our clinic, assessment may include:

  • Scar type identification
  • Severity and depth assessment
  • Skin type evaluation
  • Active acne assessment
  • Pigmentation and redness evaluation
  • Discussion of treatment goals and downtime preferences

Because every patient’s skin is different, treatment plans are highly individualised.

Treatment Options for Acne Scarring

Most acne scars improve best with a combination approach of different treatment star getting texture, collagen stimulation and skin renewal. It can take some time and multiple ongoing treatments until desired results are achieved. Often a combination of multiple different lasers or modalities can be used in the same treatment session for optimal outcomes.

  • Non-ablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing (frax 1550nm& 1940nm)
  • Subcision
  • Chemical Peels
  • Vascular Laser & IPL Treatments
  • Ablative C02 or Erbium laser
  • Pro deep 1430nm Laser
  • Skin Needling (derma pen)
  • RF (radio frequency) Micro needling